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Gillingham midfielder Mark Bentley writes exclusively for the KM Group

We'll be going all out on Saturday to knock Port Vale off their perch.

No doubt the majority will be writing us off because of the away record we have but everyone in the squad has been positive this week and we are looking forward to going to the leaders.

There will be pressure on them as they have started the season well but it’s important that we keep our shape, work together all over the pitch and cut out the individual errors that cost us so dearly at Accrington.

We have players all over the pitch who can score so if we can bring everything together, maybe, just maybe, we can put this away-day rubbish to bed.

Port Vale brings good memories a couple of seasons ago when we totally dominated them and came away comfortable winners. That was part of what kickstarted our season back then.

Hopefully, it can do the same again and also give our faithful supporters, who have stuck by us, something to sing about on their way home.

Cody McDonald wheels away in delight after opening the scoring
Cody McDonald wheels away in delight after opening the scoring

It’s amazing what a difference a win makes to everybody, especially for the players who have been criticised from all angles.

There was added pressure on the players for the Stockport game as everyone was waiting to see if we could respond to the debacle at Accrington.

Frustratingly, I had to sit the game out but from the stands I could see the lads gave everything.

The early goal was a great way to settle any nerves that may have been around. Cody McDonald is now starting to build an excellent reputation. I believe if he can keep himself fit, we may see 20-25 goals from him this year.

It was great to see Jack Payne score his first senior goal and that’s something I’m sure he will treasure.

Jack Payne celebrates scoring the Gills' second
Jack Payne celebrates scoring the Gills' second

He is also building a fine reputation and I’m sure he will have a excellent future in the game.

It’s probably the first time all season he has actually got into the opponent’s box but he was calm and finished well.

Somebody who I felt improved us on Saturday was Kevin Maher. His experience in the middle is something that we may have been lacking in recent weeks.

He is somebody that certainly knows the game and organised the others around him well. Kev has come under a bit of unfair criticism but he could become an important player and can really help the likes of Jack Payne and Curtis Weston.

We did give away a goal on Saturday that made the last five minutes a bit edgy but we saw the game out and it was nice to see smiles all around in the changing room.

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